Chordates • Earth.com

Virginia opossum

(Didelphis virginiana)

galery

Description

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, is the only opossum found north of Mexico, with its range additionally extending south into Central America. Its range makes it both the northernmost opossum and the northernmost marsupial in the world. In the United States, the animal is typically referred to simply as a possum ('possum) or an opossum. It is a solitary and nocturnal animal about the size of a domestic cat, and a successful opportunist. Opossums are familiar to many North Americans as they frequently inhabit settled areas due to the associated proximity to food sources, notably trash cans, as well as pet food, compost piles, gardens, rodents, etc. Their slow and nocturnal nature, and their attraction to roadside carrion, puts them in danger of becoming roadkill. Virginia opossums can vary considerably in size, with larger specimens found to the north of the opossum's range and smaller specimens in the tropics. They measure 13–37 in (35–94 cm) long from their snout to the base of the tail, with the tail adding another 8.5–19 in (21.6–47 cm). Weight for males ranges from 1.7 to 14 lb (0.8–6.4 kg) and for females from 11 ounces to 8.2 lb (0.3–3.7 kg). They are one of the world's most variably sized mammals, since a large male from northern North America weighs about 20 times as much as a small female from the tropics. Their coats are a dull grayish brown, other than on their faces, which are white. Opossums have long, hairless, prehensile tails, which can be used to grab branches and carry small objects. They also have hairless ears and a long, flat nose. Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal, and opposable, clawless thumbs on their rear limbs. Opossums have 13 nipples, arranged in a circle of 12 with one in the middle.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:
Class: Mammalia
Order:Didelphimorphia
Family:Didelphidae
Genus:Didelphis
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